Monday, June 9, 2008

The Bubble Bar, beats and tiny eats

Guests who indulge in the Bubble Bar on the Terrace of Conrad Chicago also get a unique view of Chicago's skyline. (Photo: Conrad Chicago)

There's so much competition for outdoor hangin' this summer that the more established spots need to step up their game. Terrace, on the fifth floor of Conrad Chicago, makes an aggressive move with the introduction of the Bubble Bar, the new outdoor bar cranking out bubble tea cocktails.

Go for the mango- or pineapple-infused drinks—made from fresh fruit and a variety of liquors (!!)—and settle on one of the cabanas that'll make you feel like you've been transported to South Beach. And Monday nights are also reserved for film buffs who come for classic and kitchy movies shown on a large screen. Tonight go retro with "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," and munch on truffle popcorn or from a menu of "StaxX" (a meal built vertically by layering bamboo steamers) such as vegetable spring rolls, mini crabcake sliders, sushi and seasoned fries. Showtime at 8pm.

Also happening tonight (and every night) is the $3 bar tapas menu at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! when you get there between 4-6pm. Yummy faves like the Rioja short ribs with Manchego mashed potatoes, chicken empanadas, or mushrooms stuffed with spinach and manchego cheese can be had.

Speaking of tapas, People Lounge doles out the deals every Monday-Thursday (5:30-7pm). Three dollars gets you bites such as pollo Diablo, rainbow trout and scallops. Tonight, you'll want to pair those with $10 sangria pitchers or $2 PBRs as you kick back with live Delta blues from John Kimler.

And down the street from People Lounge is another Monday night special: the BBR Monday Social at Debonair Social Club.Music 101 this week hosts a very hot party with legendary house music maestro Roy Davis, Jr. behind the 'tables. Get the $5 Stoli drinks and $3 domestic beers while you're there. 9pm-2am. $5.

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The Dish:

Audarshia Townsend's introduction to the online world began as one of the first two editors at metromix.com--where they set the tone for the entertainment site's cutting-edge style. She also has written lifestyle features for the Chicago Tribune, Essence, Los Angeles Times, Michigan Avenue, about.com, playboy.com, Huffington Post, DiningChicago.com, World's Best Bars and Upscale magazine. Additionally, she has appeared regularly on CLTV, WGN-TV and WCIU-TV's "You & Me This Morning" for cocktail-, dining- and nightlife-related features. In 2007, Audarshia launched 312DiningDiva.com, a daily dining-and-drinking blog keeping readers up to date on Chicago happenings. Her interests include staying fit with a regular Forrest Yoga practice, cycling in the city, and Flywheel Chicago classes.